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LGBT people and those living with HIV may face discrimination in the provision of health care services, and are especially vulnerable to breaches of confidentiality in medical settings, and to violations of their personal autonomy regarding reproductive decisions, sexual health, gender expression, transition-related care, HIV care and other matters. Through litigation, education and policy advocacy, Lambda Legal protects the rights of LGBT people seeking health care and works to ensure that medical professionals and healthcare facilities understand their responsibility to treat LGBT patients fairly.

On January 18, 2018 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the creation of a new unit within the HHS Office of Civil Rights (OCR) called the “Conscience and Religious Freedom Division.” Lambda Legal’s analysis shows that this will almost certainly result in the unconstitutional denial of medical care and cause potentially life-threatening harm, in particular to LGBTQ people and women.

Related Cases

Lambda Legal and Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit on behalf of three organizations serving vulnerable populations — Family Equality, True Colors United, and SAGE — against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for its unlawful November 2019 announcement that it would stop enforcing anti-discrimination protections against federal grantees that deny services to, or otherwise discriminate against, individuals. The administration's unlawful action endangers already vulnerable populations, especially as the country confronts the coronavirus pandemic.
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Lambda Legal, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Center for Reproductive Rights filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services “Denial-of-Care” Rule.
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